At first glance, this 1971 Dodge Charger R/T appears to be a clean, faithful restoration. But a closer look reveals a surprising twist under the hood.
Hellcat Power in a Classic Body
Builder Dave Dudek replaced the original engine with a 6.2-liter supercharged Hellcat V8, the same powerplant found in modern Challengers.
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The swap required replacing the inner headlights with air intakes to feed the hungry engine.
The Hellcat is paired with a five-speed manual transmission, offering a modern driving experience in a vintage muscle car.
Dudek also freshened the exterior and interior, resulting in a thorough overhaul.
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The body is finished in a subtle blue, with freshly chromed bumpers, new 17-inch wheels, black side stripes, and a hood with gills for cooling.
The cabin features blue-trimmed seats, a pistol-grip shifter, and a wooden-rimmed steering wheel.
Upgrades include new suspension, rack-and-pinion steering, Wilwood brakes, and period-correct slotted tailpipes. This Charger is also one of only 30 original R/T models with a sunroof.
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Mecum Auctions will sell this restomod at its Monterey auction in August. With over 700 horsepower behind fake headlights, it's a rare find.